The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

by Amanda Montell

Doody posed that it’s actually reasonable enough to want to continue a project based on the time and energy you’ve already spent on it, given the universal motivation to create a positive impression of one’s decision-making track record.

When presented with a problem, most people naturally think the cause must be that something is missing, rather than that something is gratuitous or out of place.

This is also why childhood feels so long—because everything was brand-new. Or at least brand-new to you. The recency illusion.

Research finds that laughter and disgust are among the emotional responses most likely to make a piece of information both persuasive and shareable.VI